Understanding the Media in Young Children's Lives: An Introduction to the Key Debates

This book explores the impact of digital media on young children’s lives  and the role that the media and news industries play in the social  construction of childhood. It highlights the pressing issues relating to  young children’s media use drawing on key research and examines the  impact of digital media on their learning, development and  socialization.

The chapters recognise the challenges digital  media presents children and families, but also demonstrate how media use  and engagement can have a positive impact on children’s academic  attainment, social capital and opportunities to create and curate online  content. Covering key areas of concern such as safety, violence and  children’s mental health, the authors provide strategies to help  children and families reduce the risks that can arise with digital media  use and capitalise on the opportunities it can offer.

Including  case study examples and opportunities for reflective practice, this is  an essential text for students on Childhood and Early Childhood Studies  courses and Early Years Foundation Degrees as well as practitioners  wanting to develop their critical understanding of the role of the media  in young children’s lives.